Rio 2016 Vaccination Information

In preparation for the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Center for Disease Control, the FISA Medical Commission and the USRowing Medical Commission have recommended that all individuals traveling to Rio receive the following vaccinations:

Hepatitis A: This vaccination is given by injection. When feasible, a second “booster” can be given to strengthen immunity to Hepatitis A. The second vaccination is given 6 months following the first.

Typhoid: this vaccination is given in pill form.

Flu Shot: the similarity in expected flu strains between the northern and southern hemisphere suggests that our northern hemisphere vaccine will be adequate for protection in the southern hemisphere. If it has been more than 6 months since you received the flu vaccine, it is recommended that you received another dose in the next 1-2 months prior to travel to Rio.

It is also important to check with your physician to insure that all standard vaccinations are up to date. These include MMR (measles/mumps/rubella), DPT (diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus), varicella (chickenpox) and your yearly flu vaccine.

Any athlete with a religious or philosophical objection to vaccination has the right to opt out, however this could increase the risk of becoming ill while in Rio.

The Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations will decrease the risk of illness associated with contaminated food and water in Rio. We would strongly recommend that family members who will be travelling to the games receive these vaccinations as well.